Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Introduction
About the Recipe
Creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in parmesan sauce is a rich, comforting, and flavorful dish. Combining tender chicken, creamy parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni, this recipe brings together the comforting flavors of home cooking in one delectable plate. It’s perfect for family dinners or even special occasions when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the details of this hearty and indulgent dish.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
For the Chicken
Chicken breasts or thighs sliced into bite-sized pieces
Salt and black pepper to taste
Garlic cloves finely minced
For the Parmesan Sauce
Unsalted butter
Heavy cream
Grated parmesan cheese
Chicken broth
Red pepper flakes optional for a kick
For the Pasta
Rigatoni or your choice of pasta
Water for boiling
A pinch of salt
Prep Time
The Preparation in Minutes
Preparing this creamy chicken and rigatoni dish is quick and efficient. With just a little planning, you’ll have minimal time spent in the kitchen.
Preparing the ingredients (chopping, slicing, and measuring) is typically around 15 minutes. From cooking the chicken to making the sauce and pasta, most of the work flows seamlessly, ensuring no time is wasted.
Cook Time, Total Time, and Yield
Cook Time
The cooking time for the chicken, sauce, and pasta combined is approximately 25 minutes. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked for a tender and flavorful result.
Total Time
With a total preparation and cooking time of about 40 minutes, you’ll have an impressive dinner whipped up in no time.
Yield
This recipe typically serves four people generously, making it an excellent choice for a family dinner or leftovers for the next day. Increase or decrease the quantities to adjust for your needs seamlessly.
With its deliciously creamy texture, hints of garlic, and the cheesy goodness of parmesan, creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in parmesan sauce is bound to become a favorite meal for you and your loved ones.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
3. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and your preferred seasonings.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
4. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer.
5. Cook the chicken until it is completely cooked through and slightly golden on the outside, about 6-8 minutes.
6. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
2. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and whisk constantly for about a minute to make a roux.
4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while continuing to whisk, ensuring there are no lumps in the sauce.
5. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it starts to thicken.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Parmesan Cheese
1. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
2. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it into the sauce.
2. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, stirring everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the sauce.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 6: Adjust Seasonings
1. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese if needed.
Step 7: Serve
1. Transfer the creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni to serving plates or a large serving dish.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, additional Parmesan, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Note 1: For a Spicier Dish
If you prefer a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking.
Note 2: Substitute Ingredients
You can use other pasta types like penne or farfalle if rigatoni is not available.
Note 3: Extra Creamy Sauce
If the sauce thickens too much while cooling, add a small amount of milk or cream and stir until smooth.
Note 4: Reheating
To reheat leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce before heating over low heat.
Note 5: Protein Options
For a variation, you can use shrimp, turkey, or tofu instead of chicken.
Note 6: Make It Vegetarian
Omit the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian.
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Cook Techniques
Cooking the Chicken
For perfectly cooked chicken, cut it into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Sauté the chicken in a hot pan with olive oil until golden and cooked through to ensure a tender and flavorful base.
Creating the Garlic Butter
Incorporate minced garlic into melted butter over medium heat, allowing it to release its aromatic flavor. Stir constantly to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn.
Making the Parmesan Sauce
Combine heavy cream with grated Parmesan cheese and seasoning to create a rich and creamy sauce. Stir frequently over low heat until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens.
Cooking the Rigatoni
Boil the rigatoni in salted water until it is al dente. Drain and reserve a small amount of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning later.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked rigatoni directly into the sauce, ensuring it is fully coated. Stir to combine and let the pasta simmer briefly in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with other pasta types such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti depending on your preference.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a small amount of cornstarch for a similar creamy texture.
How do I avoid burning the garlic?
Cook the garlic on medium heat and keep stirring it in the butter. Garlic can burn quickly, so avoid cooking it on high heat.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace the regular rigatoni with a gluten-free pasta option to make the dish gluten-free.
What protein substitutions can I make for the chicken?
You can replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to increase the nutritional value and add more texture to the dish.
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Conclusion
The Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce offers a harmonious balance of rich flavors and creamy textures. Its combination of tender chicken, flavorful garlic butter, and the perfectly cooked rigatoni, all enveloped in a luscious Parmesan sauce, makes it a comforting and satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or as an impressive dish for entertaining guests. It’s a dish that brings warmth and joy to the table with every bite.
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